With the Super Bowl being played on Feb. 9, 2025, your church or school may be hosting an event to watch the game. The National Football League has very strict requirements for any organization hosting a watch party. The following rules apply to both organizations and private home events:
- Do not rent any equipment. You must use equipment that your organization already owns and uses in the regular course of business.
- Show the game live in your facility only. Recording the game to exhibit later is not allowed. Streaming the party online, which might include portions of the broadcast shown at your facility, is also not allowed. This includes posting video clips to social media.
- Do not charge admission.
- Be careful about how the event is promoted. Do not call it a "Super Bowl Party" in advertisements, announcements, social media mentions and other promotions. Call it the "Big Game Party" or something similar.
- Avoid using the NFL logo and other branding associated with the league, the teams and the game. All these graphics, including the term "Super Bowl," are trademarked by the NFL and they are ruthless about protecting their trademarks and intellectual property.
Observing these rules will help protect your organization from potentially costly infringement violations. Trust me, no one wants to be visited by the battalion of NFL boogeymen lawyers.
Enjoy the game.
